WHAT WE BELIEVE

THE BIBLE

The sixty-six books of the Bible were given by the inspiration of God’s Spirit and are not the product of human creativity or ingenuity (2 Pt 1:20-21). Every word of the Bible is inspired by God in the original manuscripts (2 Timothy 3:16; Mt 5:18). The Bible in its original manuscripts is without error and is completely accurate in all that it affirms (John 17:17; Ps 19:7). The Scripture is to be interpreted considering the literal, grammatical and historical aspects of a given text.

PEOPLE

The human race began by the direct and instantaneous creation of God (Gen.1:26-27). Men and women are created in God’s image (Gen.1:26-27) and exist to glorify God (Is.43:7). People forfeited their intended fellowship with God (Is.59:2), incurred the penalty of spiritual and physical death (Gen.2:16-17; Rom.5:12), became subject to the wrath of God (Jn.3:36), and lost the ability to be independently acceptable to God (Rom.5:6-10) through Adam’s one act of disobedience (Rom.5:12). People exist relationally separated from God and express that sinfulness in a variety of sinful acts (Is.59:2; Rom.3:10-18).

SALVATION

Salvation of individuals is wholly carried out by God’s grace, based on the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross and is in no way contributed to or accomplished by the merit or work of the individual (Eph.1:7; 2:8-10; 1Pt.1:18-19). Those who repent and put their trust in Jesus as their provision for their sinful condition (Mk.1:15; Lk.24:46-47; Ac.3:19; 11:18; 20:21) are declared righteous by God (Rom.3:21-22; 8:33). From a human perspective one is saved after hearing the message of the gospel (Rom.10:14), being convicted by the Holy Spirit of sin (Jn.16:8-9), mentally turning from sin to God (2 Cor.7:9-11), placing one’s trust in Jesus as the complete and sole payment for sin (Jn.3:14-15). At this point God’s Spirit indwells the individual (Rom.8:9), resulting in new birth (Jn.3:3) which is often referred to as conversion (Mt.18:3; Ac.15:3; Rom.16:5). Each step in the process of salvation is granted by God including repentance and faith (Ac.11:18; Eph.2:8). The converted individual then naturally bears fruit in keeping with the internal transformation that has taken place (2 Cor.5:17; Mt.3:8; 7:17-23; Jn.3:36).

MINISTRY LEADERSHIP

PASTOR JEFF WARIX

Jeff began at Berean as Senior Pastor in 2010. With a heart to re-align to the Bible alone, Jeff has been instrumental in leading the church family into closer communion with God and one another, to repent of sin, and to walk worthy of the Lord with the moments we have left.

Jeff worked in the business world for many years before answering God's call to the ministry. In 1992, he sold his home in Delhi, quit his job, and pulled out all the stops. God ended up sending Jeff, his wife Debbie, and their 9 children to Utah, to work for 10 years as Missionary Church Planters, before calling them back to Illinois.

Jeff is anxious to equip each Christian with the spiritual tools they need, as well as to see them use those tools for God! In the process, he is asking God for the Vision He has for Berean, so that we might grow into the habitation God would be most glorified in. You can email Pastor Jeff at jwarix@gmail.com or call the church office at 618-585-4544, if you would like to speak with him.

PASTOR RYAN WITT

Ryan graduated from Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, Iowa in 2004 and has been working as the Assistant/Youth Pastor at Berean ever since.

He and his wife Darcy recognize that the teen years are the most crucial of a person's life; a time when the fire will be lit to honor God with their life--or not. Therefore, this couple works tirelessly with our teens, involving the entire church to nurture and fellowship with this group, and the results have been amazing. God is at work through their ministry at Berean.

When outside Youth Group, Ryan serves in many different roles at Berean. Whether organizing fellowships, counseling, preaching, or music ministry, Ryan is using his gifts to help further the kingdom of God.

Pastor Ryan can be reached at ryan.wittie@gmail.com, or by calling the church office to schedule an appointment, at 618-585-4544.